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Best Dispersed Camping near Gilmanton, NH

14 Reviews

The White Mountain National Forest region near Gilmanton, New Hampshire features primarily dispersed camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Tripoli Road in Thornton offers roadside camping with established fire rings along a seasonal forest road that typically opens in late May and closes in autumn. About 20 miles west, Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site provides free primitive camping with both drive-up and walk-in sites. Both areas exemplify the rustic, self-sufficient camping style common in this part of New Hampshire, where campers select their own sites rather than reserving numbered spaces.

Road conditions and seasonal timing significantly impact camping experiences in this region. Tripoli Road requires registration at a ranger station and payment of flat-rate fees, while Elbow Pond Road is free but features rough terrain not suitable for standard passenger vehicles. As one camper notes, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars." Wildlife considerations also affect camping practices, with bear activity occasionally causing temporary closures. According to a visitor, "Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open." Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage reported at Russell Pond for Verizon users.

Riverside and waterfront sites receive particular praise from regular visitors to the area. Many campers highlight the appeal of sites along streams and ponds, with one noting, "Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years." Weekday visits typically offer better site selection and more solitude, while weekends see increased competition for prime locations. A frequent visitor advises, "Be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout." Amenities remain minimal across these areas, with most sites featuring fire rings but limited or no toilet facilities, drinking water, or trash service. The primitive nature of these campgrounds appeals to those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience, as one camper describes Tripoli Road as "a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors."

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Gilmanton, New Hampshire (2)

    1. Tripoli Road

    11 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 528-8721

    $20 - $30 / night

    "Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric."

    "No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too"

    2. Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    3 Reviews
    North Woodstock, NH
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (603) 536-6100

    "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Gilmanton, NH

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Gilmanton, NH

14 Reviews of 2 Gilmanton Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 17, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Dispersed camping, be bear aware!

    Tripoli Road is a seasonal road, opening in late May most years and closing in autumn. Check the White Mountain National Forest Facebook page for up to date road closures/status. The section before Russell Pond often opens before the rest of it, which is graded, not paved. The road runs between the Waterville Valley area and I-93 exit 31. This is roadside camping, no frills, first come, first served. You must stay at a site with a fire ring, but sites are not numbered. Road signs demarcate no camping zones; some areas look like they could be campsites, but will also be marked with no camping signs. 

    You must register at the ranger station on the western end of the road, shortly past the entrance to the Russell Pond campground. Rates are a flat rate set per car and per weekends or weekday period. In other words, you pay one rate for 1-5 weekdays ($20 in 2019) and another fee for a weekend($25-30 - holidays). It’s self service most of the time, with the ranger available Friday and Saturday evenings. 

    The sites vary from sites near and level with the road to ones set above or well below the road. Some are near a river, most are wooded. Some are isolated, others are close together. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive. Downhill sites closest to the Russell Pond area seem to be most popular. Most of these were occupied on a late June weekend, while those farther down the road remained empty.

    There are port-a-potties near the western entrance, but otherwise you’re on your own with cat holes or portable toilet solutions. Nearest showers are at Russell Pond. Please keep it clean and protect the area. I’ve passed through several times while hiking My Osceola and have observed that these sites are often filled with groups or families with multiple tents. On a late June weekend there are numerous empty sites, so they seem to be more available than the dispersed sites along Gale River Rd and Haystack Rd (farther north in Twin Mountain). Excessive drinking and noise can be an issue. 

    You need to be aware that bears are in the area. Following the July 4, 2019 holiday, the camping area was closed after bears visited campsites and got into food that was left in the open and not secured in vehicles or bear canisters. The camping area re-opened July 19, but check the White Mountain National Forest FB page before heading up there. If the issue recurs, I wouldn't be surprised if they close it again.

    Hiking in the region include the Osceolas (moderate hike with beautiful views, exceedingly popular and crowded on autumn weekends - get there early!), Tripyramid, and Tecumseh. Shorter treks include Welch-Dickey (great open ledges) and Snow's Mountain (along a river with falls). Nearby Russell Pond offers ranger programs, fishing, and you can put a kayak or canoe in. The Pemigewassett offers tubing and kayaking put ins. Outfitters one exit south can provide you with transportation and rentals. Exit 32 for Lincoln, Woodstock, and the Kanc is less than 5 miles north.

    Cell service is decent at nearby Russell Pond (Verizon seemed to offer better service than AT&T).

  • Beau B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Tripoli Camp Grounds

    Easy access to trailhead for Tecumseh Mountain. Rustic sites with no water or electric. We found there to be a couple of large group camping areas but they were spread out enough not to bother each other. Port-a-Johns right as you get in but not much more after that. Several areas on the road are labeled as “no parking” just watch the signs. All in all a great get away!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2023

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Car camping at elbow pond

    This is an awesome spot for camping. They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them. Some of the camping spots have fire pits but not all. Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing. Some of the sites are close together but there are some that are a good distance apart. The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars. Overall this is a great place to camp if you’re looking for free camping spots. Also it is first come first serve

  • Lisa The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2024

    Tripoli Road

    Love Tripoli

    Love everything about Tripoli. 1st come 1st serve. We have out favorite sites but have had to venture out and take other sites often times. No electricity, no showers. Portta potties every so often. Always close enough to walk to. Love the sites on the water. Have been going here for over 10 years. My kids now love it too

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site

    Small campsites/No amenities

    Drove in on a Wednesday afternoon and drove past 4 or 5 sites, which were all occupied.

    Then saw a car ahead that was backing up. Long story short, they were afraid to drive across a dry wash in their new Jeep. No place to get by. Had to back my trailer about a quarter mile, so they could get out.

    Camped in a very small spot, just barely enough room for our SUV and small teardrop to get off the road.

    There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp jn with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything and lots of other campers that appear to be long term residents.

    OK for an overnight stay but not a desirable camping location overall.

  • J
    Apr. 13, 2021

    Tripoli Road

    Awesome

    This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it. Drive up the dirt road and find a nice riverside camp site. 3 miles of seclusion if you want. Great hiking trails directly off Tripoli . Hiking the loop trail is amazing.

  • Laura
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    great hidden spot

    Would call this a solid car camp spot. Went on a Saturday afternoon after a long hike and there were plenty of spots open. You can pick any spot, each one has a different variety wIth size and how deep into the woods you want to walk. No showers or bathrooms, a porter potty at the entrance but that’s about it. Only complaint I had were a couple cars kept flying back and forth down the road at night. Camp a little further in and you’d be fine

  • Ryan M.
    Jul. 2, 2019

    Tripoli Road

    Road side camping has never felt so off the grid

    Can be pretty remote. Choose your own site. Some are better than others, some have streams going thru them. Lots of local hiking

  • Mike M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Tripoli Road

    Primitive

    True primitive sites. First come first serve. Awesome feel. Cool road. Great access to tripyramid hikes. Somewhat isolated.

Guide to Gilmanton

Primitive camping near Gilmanton, New Hampshire primarily consists of dispersed sites in the White Mountain National Forest. The area features mostly undeveloped camping opportunities requiring self-sufficiency. Campers can expect seasonal access restrictions, with many forest roads closed during winter months and muddy conditions in spring that can limit site accessibility.

What to do

Hiking to mountaintops: Access multiple trailheads from Tripoli Road for hiking experiences ranging from moderate to challenging. "There are little camp spots all over this road, too many to count... Hiking the loop trail is amazing," notes a Tripoli Road visitor.

Fishing in secluded ponds: Bring fishing gear to take advantage of the region's small ponds and streams. A camper at Elbow Pond Road Dispersed Site reports, "Theres a nice pond with great views and good fishing."

River activities: Look for sites near water for riverside camping and water access. "Hiked down a trail and found the most relaxing spot right by the river!" shares one Tripoli Road camper who enjoyed the water proximity.

What campers like

Quiet weekday visits: Mid-week camping typically provides more solitude and better site selection. "Great spot for the weekdays, hardly anyone around and got a great site right by the river (mid-sept.)," explains a visitor to Tripoli Road.

Various site options: Choose between drive-up locations or more secluded spots requiring short walks. According to one camper, "They have a couple different spots where you can park and walk up to your site or they have sites you can pull right up next to them."

Rustic camping experience: Appreciate the minimal development and authentic outdoor experience. "This is a great spot to start getting into camping with less amenities and more outdoors. I have been going there for 20 years and I still recommend it," shares a regular visitor.

What you should know

Road conditions and vehicle limitations: Forest roads can be rough and unsuitable for low-clearance vehicles. A recent camper warns, "The road in is pretty rough and is not recommended for sedans or lower riding cars."

Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage in vehicles or bear canisters. Campers should watch for signs of wildlife activity during their stay.

Availability patterns: Sites fill quickly on weekends and holidays. "It's also first come first serve, so be sure to get up early on Friday for a weekend campout," advises one experienced camper.

Tips for camping with families

Site selection for privacy: Choose locations farther down forest roads for more seclusion. "Some are isolated, others are close together. There are no reservations, so you'll be choosing your own when you arrive," explains a visitor.

Pack all essentials: No services are available at most sites, requiring complete self-sufficiency. A camper notes, "There was only a 20 foot by 12 foot space to camp in with no water, no dumpster, no toilet, no view of anything."

Consider noise levels: Some areas can become lively, especially on weekends. "We left on a Friday morning and a lot more people were coming in so I imagine it could get really loud during busy summer weekends/holidays," reports one visitor.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller rigs only. Backing up can be difficult on narrow forest roads with limited turnaround space.

Site spacing awareness: RVers should note that many sites are positioned close together. "A lot of sites were right next to each other so if it's crowded, you might not get a lot of privacy," explains one camper about site proximity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Gilmanton, NH?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Gilmanton, NH is Tripoli Road with a 4.3-star rating from 11 reviews.

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